Do I need different antibiotics?

[crashdoll]

Bit of medical background: I have RA and I'm on a fairly high dose of methotrexate (immunosuppressant). Lately, I have been picking up infection after infection.

I've had an ear infection in both ears for a few months now. My GP finally caved and prescribed me amoxicillin on Thursday. Since then, I've developed a cough, I'm bringing up green stuff (sorry!), tightness in my chest and general other chesty symptoms. I'm prone to chest infections, so I expect this is what this is.

I wonder if amoxicillin is the right sort of antibiotics and thus, I should ride this out OR if I have to attempt the out-of-hours doctor. I'm hoping I'll be ok till Wednesday when I can (try to see) my regular GP.

DD is on antibiotics permanently for her chest, her consultant says Clarithromycin is the best AB for chests but sadly she's just developed an allergy to it.

I didn't know you could develop an allergy suddenly, you poor daughter.

I can't take clarithromycin. It makes my lips and mouth swell although I haven't officially been told it was allergy, my GP won't prescribe it.

NThe HS website said amoxicillin is often used for bronchitis, so I think I'll be ok. I'm going to wait till weds to see the dr.

Amoxicillin tends to be the first line antibiotic for chest infections but to be honest in someone with immunosupression I would probably give co-amoxiclav just as it covers a few more bugs, I would also prescribe it at a higher dose than for anyone else. Seeing as you have been on amoxicillin since Thursday and have developed the chest infection since then I would suggest you do speak to OOH, or, if they are around, your consultant who would probably arrange a prescription for you to pick up (well, I know our paediatric rheumatology consultant would, not sure about adult consultants...)

IME amoxycillin isnt strong enough for chest infections, if it wont work for me how on earth will it work for a RA patient??